08/03/2010

HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY!!!


Happy woman's day!!

Today is international woman's day and I read this really beautiful article by dear Guruji Poojya Sri Sri Ravishankaji .

A woman has the capacity to be an excellent peacemaker because it is natural for her to relate from the heartWomen have both gentleness and strength. Indian scriptures place tremendous amount of power in women. In fact, the primordial energy known as Shakti which is the life force behind the whole creation is feminine. That is why our scriptures honour women as the highest aspect of divinity - the Aadhya Shakti.Women bring together the finest aspects of society; the ability to create and the transformational ability to make a difference in society. Women bring us to the planet and teach us how to live. A mother is our first guru, our first teacher. Women teach us our first behaviour, our first steps in life. Women also have a great role to play in society. She can be a strong peacemaker - at home, in the community, in society and in the world. Women can glue differences and bring people of diverse nature together - she does it in her home all the time!In this fast pace of life, we need to balance our inner peace, beauty and ethical values with the external challenges we face, and women have it in them to do it. These qualities are inherent in a woman.A woman has the capacity to be an excellent peacemaker because it is quite natural for her to relate from the level of the heart. The biggest strengths of a woman are her emotions, feelings, motivation and inspiration. Men can inspire to fight but women inspire to unite. There are more wars in the world today because there is a lack of feminine leadership to unite people, overcome differences and bring home to us the purpose we are all born for! In todays war-torn world, we need women to come to the forefront and take more responsibility, without getting stressed.Today, we need to ensure that women in our country are literate. When women are well educated and well informed they can take more responsibility, bring about that positive change and can make any project successful.A woman by nature is multi-talented and multi-faceted. Usually people think women are emotional but the fact is, women are also great intellectual geniuses and excel in planning and execution. You see any department headed by a woman; chances are that department is much ahead of others.Women are the backbone of any society. The role of women in the development of a society is of utmost importance. In fact, it is the only criterion that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious or not. Also, a corruption-free society can only emerge where women are given due regard, respect and importance.Given the wealth that is inherent in them, it is very important for women all over the world to sit together and see what they can do to make this world more stress- and violence-free. Women need not wait to be given power. They automatically have it. Unfortunately, most of the feminine movements today are demanding rights. What and from whom are they demanding? They are asking from an empty bowl! Women already have equal rights. They simply have to assert their rights! They dont have to go and ask somebody, it is all there for them!

A woman is a born leader. She has the potential to bring prosperity, happiness and joy to this world. Its up to her to make it happen.

Jai Gurudev.

03/02/2010

A Vacation To Cherish!!


After a long long time enjoyed a really wonderful vacation.Unlike the usual it was not tiring and hectic.Had a truly great time right from day 1.Our vacation started with receiving the blessings and spending a few minutes with Swami Parmarthanadaji, about whom I shall write on some other occasion.Our next stop was Ramanasramam Tiruvannamalai.We were indeed fortunate to have a sincere and wonderful young lad driving us around to all the places.
Ramanasramam and Tiruvannamalai were indeed among the best experiences I have so far had.No words to describe my feelings.Bliss it was!!! is all I can say......
We had the great good fortune of staying two days at Ramanasram,so for sure made the best use of my stay.I had for quite sometime wanted to do the Giri Valam(Parikrama around Arunachala)and sure enough my wish was fulfilled.Our driver was driving us around and I suddenly realised he was doing giri pradakshinam by car,(luckily he had done only 1/2 km),I immedialtely asked him to stop the car,got down and joined a family doing the giri valam.I had some very very earnest and simple souls as company all through the 14kms around Arunachala.It was an amazing experience I must say.As they have very rightly mentioned I hardly felt that I was walking.Someforce walked me through the entire path I am sure. There is certainly something inexplicably beautiful about the Arunachala hills.
We were there just after karthigai deepam festival,so that was an added plus because every evening we got to see the deepam being lit at the top,and that is sure something everyone should see atleast once.Every spot is so very beautiful at Ramansramam,not to forget the peacocks moving around so freely.There were a few amazing white peacocks too.There was everything that one would want and love to be amidst.Nature's scenic beauty,the totally peaceful meditation hall, the unbelievable caves and places where Sri RamanaMaharishi spent many many years of his life and ofcourse sumptuous and good breakfast,lunch,tea and dinner that was served.
Felt truly blessed and gives me goose pimples to think that I indeed had the great fortune of actually treading the path that Maharishi used to for a long time.
Arunachaleswarar temple is one of the very old and important temples and is the agni kshetram,(the pancha mahabootha kshetrams:prithvi,akasham,agni,jalam&vayu)The others are at Kanchipuram(prithvi), Kalahasthi,(Vayu)Chidambaram(Akasa) and Tiruvanikovil(Jalam). The swami here is Annamalaiyar and ambal is unnamalaiyaal.A very beautiful temple indeed.there is also the temple of Karthikeya here,which is special because this is where Lord Karthikeya is supposed to have come and give darsanam to Arunagirinathar who was here in the form of a parrot.
I also did a bit of hill climbing (actually quite a bit!!)to have darshan of skadasramam and also the Virupakshya caves where Sri Ramana Maharishi spent many years of his early life.After two blissful days at Tiruvannamalai and Ramanasramam we headed down south.A number of wonderful temple visits followed by a great baghavatha sapthaham at Mudikondan by Brahmasri Nochur Venkatramanji.
Had the good fortune of meeting some inspiring and knowledgeable people at the sapthaham.Inspite of the heavy and continuous rains all through our stay we were blessed enough to be able to participate in the sapthaham all days.Thanks and God bless to the driver who drove us there everyday.
An enjoyable and blissful fortnight for sure,which I shall cherish for a long time to come.
Stay tuned more on the way...................

Jai gurudev.




03/12/2009

Journey From Head To Heart


The part 2 course or the advanced meditation course takes us on a blissful journey from head to heart. Guruji says enlightenment is the journey from head back to the heart, from words back to silence, to innocence in spite of your intelligence
The Abudhabi chapter of Art Of Living organised a beautiful AMC with Swami Jyotirmaya leading us through this wonderful journey.
Hollow and empty,we use these words quite so often,but wonder if we ever paused to think these simple words mean so much.During the course had the great fortune of listening to Guruji's talk on hollow and empty,and the depth of the words really struck me.To quote his words"We have never,even for a moment thought how much of grain and food has gone through this small hole called mouth....they have just disappeared,vanished,we must have consumed truck loads of grain ,fruit, vegetables and what not....isn't it so very true?????????????
Have we ever paused to give a thought to this anytime???
It is only because everything within (like the food pipe)us is hollow and empty that this is possible,isn't it????
We had an amazing time all through,right from the first session of fun and energy packed yoga.
Swamiji guided us through some excellent meditation sessionsand processes,just that my body kept reminding me of its existence every now and then. This was in fact my first experience where in we had continuous meditation sessions for more than an hour and a half with just a short break (eyes closed ,lying down,or stretching our body to music).It was indeed very relaxing at the same time taking me deeper within,whatever that means.....just that I am short of words....I believe it has to be experienced,like somebody rightly said,' it is liking asking someone eating a mango how it tastes?? You need to actually eat the mango know how it tastes isn't it'???
Post dinner we had excellent satsangh sessions each day and the hall was radiant with joy and dance and so full of energy(Just to remind that we were all in silence for 4 days).Swamiji too danced with so much grace enthusiasm and fun,it was indeed unbelievable yet true.He was so full of love and kindness that he came up to people who could not dance and held their hands and danced with them individually for few moments. Swamiji made sure that all participated in the satsangh.
All these precious moments will sure remain etched in my memory for a long long time to come.
The highlight and conclusion of the course was Swamiji blessing each and everyone present individually.These were sure moments filled with gratitude,tears of joy and thanks to our dear Guruji who graced us all with so much compassion,love and affection.
I am reliving those wonderful days and I must say that so far every part 2 course I have so far taken have been unique and wonderful.I must quote here what Guruji has said in one of the cassettes …The journey to heaven is very long and is made of 108 steps. The steps are made of soap and it is pouring….Each time you try to climb ..you slip!..Guru is your railing..Hang in There!!How very beautiful indeed!!!
Click below and enjoy this simply awesome optical illusion.
“mujko zamin aasman mil gaya,
guru kya mile bhagvan mil gaye”





04/11/2009

Good Samaritans

Today we live in such a materialistic world and we have become so self centered that we have no time and mind to look beyond our family.Infact,the meaning of family itself has taken a change in the present times and is limited to husband wife and children.Everyone and anyone beyond this circle is not considered family,be it your own parents or be it your own brothers or sisters. Sad state of affairs this for sure...I am absolutely perplexed and shocked that we have today reached a stage wherein even parents have to pay boarding and lodging to stay with their so called sons or daughters.They are gusets in theor own house!!funny that, isn't it????It indeed amazes me that even in the 21st century and inspite of all the economic growth people are still insecure and stuck on food.
I wonder where all the deep and rich culture that we always are proud to quote has vanished???
We belong to a culture that says "Matru Devo Bhava,Pitru Devo Bhava"Adithi Devo Bhava!!
We are taught to see God in every human being....,forget seeing god,unfortunately we are unable to see a human being,people who toiled all their lives so that one day you will be happy and comfortable!!There seems to be lack of gratitude and acknowledgement.However much one does for parents,one can never repay what they have given,so the least that can be done for parents in their old age is to spend some quality time with them,and see that they are comfortable.
Why is it that people are living such mean and mundane lives where they are unable to think beyond "What about Me??"Mera Kya Hoga????"Iske aage sochna hum shaayad bhool gaye hain,ya phir aisi maya ki jaal mein fase hue hain ki aur kuch dikhayi nahin deta......Jo bhi ho, mujhe tho yeh bahut sharam ki baat lagti hai....."jago, jago, aur apni khidki kholke ke dekho bahar ki duniya jahan har tarah ke insaan jeevit hai.Kuch karo samaj ke liya,tumhara kaam apne aap ho jayega.
Manav Seva Madhav seva,meaning help a needy person and you have served God.There is no point making regular temple visits and reading shlokas and scriptures, and turning a blind eye towards the poor and needy.We never know in what from God comes at our doorstep.
Well,well,enough of my ramblings and rantings,there are great people in this world ,doing a quiet and unbelievably great service to humanity and to the really needy and homeless senior citizens.I read about one such young boy from Madurai who gave up his job and career at a tender age of 20 to serve the mentally ill and homeless destitutes of
Madurai. Read more about his achievements here.

I am indeed so overwhelmed at what this young man has been doing for the last 7 years,and feel so proud that there are Good samaritans around in this Big Big World,who want to bring about a change in the lives of those suffering. Each and everyone of us can make a difference by our service,whatever that may be .........
My sincere and heartfelt good wishes to this noble person.
God Bless
Jai Gurudev.

28/10/2009

I Have Learnt

1)I have learnt no matter how much you love guavas,you just cannot add them to fruit salad.

2)I have learnt that people can keep a straight face and ask you"are you alright",when you just slipped on snow and fell thud on the road with loads of shopping in both your hands!!!

3)I have learnt that if you keep a smiling face people start wondering if you are normal.

4)I have learnt that it is difficult for people to accept the truth because "Truth is generally bitter".

5)I have learnt that "Ignorance Is Not Always Bliss!!!

6)I have learnt that most people don't actually mean what they say.

7)I have learnt that you are lucky to have true friends who are there for you when you really do need them.

8)I have learnt that national and international news can be more important to men many times than the happenings at home.

9)I have learnt that no matter how good a cook you are,all men believe that none can cook better than their mother.

10)I have learnt that most men prefer dumb wives.

11)I have learnt that it is very important to value and feel grateful for all that has come my way.

12)I have learnt that no matter how old I am,I can always depend on my mother when in need.

13)I have learnt that none can take the place of your mother.

14)I have learnt that only a mother's love is selfless,and without expecting any returns.

15)I have learnt that you recognise and start valuing your body only when they give you trouble.

16)I have learnt that arguments are so futile and such a criminal waste of precious days.

17)I have learnt that it is very important to enjoy every little thing,be it the chirping of birds,the morning freshness in the air,the beautiful sky .......

18)I have learnt that what you resist persists..so just let go.....

19)I have learnt that it takes less effort to smile and be cheerful.

20)I have learnt "Manav seva is Madhav seva"

21)I have learnt that it is best to ignore and feel compassionate for people who have hurt you.

21)I have learnt that when you include others in your prayers your prayers are answered.("Sarve Janasu Sukhino Bhavantu")

22)I have learnt that you should never ask saints personal questions.

23)I have learnt that "Silence Is Indeed Golden"

24)I have learnt that a sincere prayer is always answered.

25)I have learnt that Life is indeed uncertain and you cannot be sure of the next moment.

26)I have learnt that no matter what I am responsible for my Happiness.

27)I have learnt that I don't enjoy cooking any more.

28)I have learnt that no matter what I know for sure that "I AM"!

29)I have learnt that "Faith Can Move Mountains"!

30)I have learnt that age is not a limitation for learning.

31)I have learnt that there is something to be learnt from every being.

32)I have learnt that when pointing fingers at someone it is important to realise that the other four are pointing towards me.

33)I have learnt that being consciously aware of every thought going across the mind,callms the mind a great deal.

These 33 points are a small bit of what I have learnt in the last 33 years (29th Oct1976-29th Oct 2009).

Jai Gurudev.